After an introduction by Stephen Colbert (a local resident long tied to the festival), Murphy said, “New Jersey is a world-class location to be the backdrop for any filmmaker – from our small towns, to our big cities, rolling hills, and the Jersey Shore – and we’re ready for our close up. Tonight, through the Montclair Film Festival, we’re sending a message that New Jersey isn’t just a great place to view the arts, but that there isn’t any better place to shoot a film than right here.”

Murphy added, “We have the artists. We have the Art DNA. We have the Film DNA. And so I will tell you, we’re committed, and I’m going to sign a law in the new few weeks that will give the financial incentives back to make movies again in New Jersey.”

Before the governor’s remarks, the festival announced the award winners. Here are the winners, along with films recognized with special jury prizes: